Smoky Mountain Towns

The Smoky Mountains National Park's popularity has inspired considerable business growth in the area to support visitors needs, but not at the expense of the beauty and small-town charm. North Carolina and Tennessee communities draw millions of visitors yearly to offerings of attractions, fine dining, mountain vistas, four distinct seasons and much more exciting things to see and do.

Tennessee
Gatlinburg • Pigeon Forge • Sevierville • Townsend • Knoxville • Cosby
North Carolina
Asheville • Cherokee • Highlands • Blowing Rock • Waynesville • Maggie Valley

Gatlinburg, Tennessee - "Reach Higher Ground"
Gatlinburg is one of the main gateways into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 5 miles wide and 2 miles long this small mountain town started as a wide space in the road and has turned into a tourist spot within driving distance of much of the country. Shopping, eating, skiing and lots of entertainment are the hallmarks of a visit to Gatlinburg. Both sides of the parkway are lined with shops, restaurants and plenty to do. Named for a citizen that was later run out of town, Gatlinburg owes much of its success to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and it takes advantage of the nine million people that pass through the park each year. 

Gatlinburg is home to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ober Gatlinburg and Sweet Fanny Adams Theater to mention just a few of its attractions. Ripley's Aquarium has been named one of the best aquariums in America and they have a "lethal Weapons" exhibit this year that is astounding. Ober Gatlinburg is a ski resort during the winter months and a playground during the summer with rides, arcades and shopping from side to side. Getting to Ober Gatlinburg is half the fun as you can ride the aerial tramway to the top. Sweet Fanny Adams is the oldest theater in the county of Sevier and one of the best.  Vaudeville & music hall comedy to tickle your funny bone with brand new shows each year.   If you are looking for food you can aim for the Park Grill and the Peddler, fine dining at its best or Best Italian, which certainly lives up to its name.  Gatlinburg gives you the feeling of a small mountain town with all the comforts of a resort area.  And just like any resort area there are plenty of places to stay.  From condos to hotels to cabins Gatlinburg has the accommodation to suit your needs.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - "Welcome to My Pigeon Forge"
Pigeon Forge was named for the Pigeon River that runs through it and the iron works that was located at the Old Mill. For many years Pigeon Forge was a quiet town that was simply on the way to Gatlinburg. Nowadays, Pigeon Forge is a destination unto itself.  Pigeon Forge stretches for miles and is a family vacation Paradise.  Dollywood is of course, the number one attraction in Pigeon Forge attracting over two million visitors each year.  Along with Dollywood, Pigeon Forge is home to most of the theaters in Sevier County.  Dinner shows like Dixie Stampede or true variety shows like Country Tonite are located everywhere, from one end of the Parkway to the other. 

Looking for food, Pigeon Forge has something for everyone.  Huck Finn’s catfish is amazing with an all you can eat catfish and chicken deal that will satisfy even the healthiest appetite.  Duff’s Smorgasbord is a buffet with an eye to the home-style classics, if it is fried and or smothered in gravy they have it.  Thai Thani is a new Thai restaurant in Pigeon Forge, light, delightful food with a southeast Asian flare.  If shopping is more your style, then you have arrived at your destination.  From outlet malls to strip malls, there is plenty of shopping to be done and great deals to be had.

Sevierville, Tennessee - "Wish you were here!"
Sevierville is the county seat of Sevier County.  Boasting the largest & most popular shopping areas of the county, Sevierville is coming into its own as a destination.  Sevierville is the birthplace of Dolly Parton and though the singer song-writer does not have her theme park in Sevierville there is a statue at the court house in her honor.  Taking its name from John Sevier the first Governor of the state of Tennessee, Sevierville stretches from I-40 at exit 407 to the City Limit of Pigeon Forge.  Taking in Bass Pro Shops, Smokies Baseball Stadium, Smoky Mountain Knife Works and Applewood, Sevierville has a lot to offer to its visitors.

Bass Pro Shops is 100,000 square feet of retail space for the outdoorsman.  Fishing, hiking, camping, hunting and much more.  Smokies Stadium is the home of the Smokies minor league baseball team.  It is a terrific stadium with a ball club that gives it his all.  The Smoky Mountain Knife Works is the world’s largest knife showplace.  Plus it is the home of the National Knife Museum.  The Applewood complex has two restaurants, a winery and a gift shop.  The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant has become a stple for many family on each trip they take to the Smokies.

Townsend, Tennessee - "The Peaceful side of the Smokies"
Townsend pitches itself as the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies" and it certainly lives up to its reputation.  East Lamar Alexander Parkway meanders through Townsend.  Hotels, shops, restaurants and cabins line the parkway but in an entirely different fashion than Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.  Between every shop, above every cabin and around every corner you area able to see the mountains that have drawn you to this idyllic location in the first place.  The Little River follows the parkway and it is easy to pull over and enjoy the river seeing as there are plenty of picnic tables and pull offs even in the heart of Townsend.  Along with its laid back style and easy going pace Townsend is the main entrance to one of the most visited locations in the National Park, Cades Cove.

Along with being close to Cades Cove, Townsend also boasts the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center which celebrates the culture of the mountain people and its heritage.  There is also the Little River Railroad and Lumber Museum which has artifacts from the logging days of Townsends past.  One of the favorite activities in Townsend during the summer is tubing.  There are several tubing companies along the rivers that offer not only the tubes but pick-up and drop-off services as well.  Townsend lets you enjoy the Smokies without any distractions.

Knoxville, Tennessee - "Knoxville Celebrate: Friends Neighbors Community"
Knoxville is one of the three largest cities in Tennessee. Its metro population reaches over 600,000 people. That being said, Knoxville does not have the feel of a large impersonal city. With plenty of green areas and subdivisions Knoxville has a small-town soul in a large-city body.  To go along with that large-city body, Knoxville has all the amenities that you expect from a city its size.  Cultural activities including the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and plays at the Clarence Brown Theater and the Tennessee Theater.  A great minor league hockey team the Icebears are the SPHL champs.  And of course, Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee sports teams. 

Knoxville is a shopper’s paradise.  From either of the large indoor malls to strip malls and shopping complexes like Turkey Creek, the shopaholic can get lost for days in retail nirvana.  The “foodie” Is likewise to be engaged.  Knoxville has a very divergent epigastric scene.  Tradition is high on the list in Knoxville foods.  Regas and Ye Olde Steak House have been Knoxville traditions for years and they have earned their places as fixtures on the food scene.  Some of the newer eateries in Knoxville are setting the bar even higher.  From Sobu, a new sushi restaurant with tremendous atmosphere, to the Crown and Goose, a gastro pub done UK style, you can find anything and everything on Knoxville’s food scene.

Cosby, Tennessee - "Where your natural adventure is waiting"
Located on the Northwest corner of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cosby is a traditional little southern Appalachian town.  More than just a wide spot in the road, Cosby is a gateway location to a different side of the national park.  In the same way that Townsend is noted as being the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Cosby also boasts less traffic with the same astonishing views and amenities.  Cosby Campground is miraculous.  Unlike other campgrounds in the park, Cosby being as far out as it is makes it more secluded.  Finding a picnic table or a campsite is usually easier in Cosby then other places.

The other amazing thing about Cosby is the businesses along the road.  Family run businesses like Carver’s Orchard are the heart of Cosby and they are amazing.  At Carver’s you will find more apple varieties being grown then anywhere in the southeast.  They also have fresh produce in their farmers market ranging from corn and tomatoes in season to local favorites you might not find anywhere else like greasy beans.  In their restaurant you can have one of the best breakfasts in Cocke County served with apple fritters and fresh apple cider but by all means, don’t leave until you have had a fried apple pie.

Asheville, North Carolina - "Any way you like it"
The North Carolina side of the Smokies is an entirely different world and Asheville is no exception.  Their tagline is “Any way you like it” and that certainly fits Asheville.  Surrounded by beautiful scenery on all sides and home to the Biltmore Estates Asheville has an art community and cultural selections like you won’t believe.  At the foot of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi, and situated beside the French Broad River Asheville has that certain “something” to give it not only natural beauty but the architecture of the many turn of the century buildings that gives it a different vibe as well.  Asheville was one of many small towns until George Vanderbilt purchased land in Ashville to build what became America’s largest home.  Since that time both the Estate and the town of Asheville have become one of the most visited areas in the Smokies.

Besides Biltmore, Asheville boasts a thriving cultural scene, great shopping and plenty of restaurants.  Community theater,  the Asheville Art Museum, the Asheville symphony are just a few of the cultural diversions that Asheville has to offer.  The cuisine scene in Asheville is second to none for a city its size.  Traditional food to new wave restaurants, there is always something new going on in the food scene.  Asheville is also home to the Tourists, a minor league baseball team.  Asheville has  lots to offer their visitors.  Make sure to see as much as you can.

Cherokee, North Carolina - "Cherokee is for families"
Cherokee is home to the Eastern band of the Cherokee Indians.  For many years Cherokee, being the main entrance into the Smokies from the North Carolina, benefited from the people filtering into the park and it had a very small town atmosphere.  Today Cherokee is one of the fastest growing areas in the Smokies.  With Harrah’s casino, Unto These Hills and the Oconaluftee Indian Village, there is no end to the entertainment you can enjoy.  Cherokee also has many special events throughout the year.  Motorcycle rallies, gospel concerts and Powwows cover the calendar from January through December.  Having plenty of lodging opportunities, great food and plenty of shopping Cherokee has no problem hosting these special events and keeping the whole family entertained.

Harrah’s Casino helped change the landscape of Cherokee.  New jobs opened and the casino also brought new life to the city.  Cherokee is even more of a destination to itself and those people also get to visit some of the traditional attractions in Cherokee.  The Oconaluftee Indian Village is a replica of a traditional Cherokee village from 1759.  See arts and crafts being produced.  Experience an attack on the village and learn about the Cherokee people.  Also in Cherokee, is the 2nd longest running outdoor drama in the US.  Telling the story of the Cherokee people from the beginning of their life in these mountains, through the Trail of Tears and then to today, this is outdoor theater at its best.

Highlands, North Carolina - "Above it All"
Highlands is situated literally “Above it All.”  Highlands started as a destination between cities for people looking for a place to vacation.  Because of its location it has as its sister city:  cashiers.  These two towns are perfect for vacationing, giving you a taste of small resort towns in Appalachia.  But watch out, because people have a tendency to retire in highlands.  The Smokies and the Blue Ridge are both within driving distance of highlands and the moderate temperatures during the summer make outdoor activities a pleasure.  Home to hundreds of shops and restaurants, Highlands give you time to window shop in the specialty boutiques that line the roads.

Cashiers is home to the High Hampton Inn.  High Hampton is one of the premier rustic lodges in this part of the country.  Established in 1922 this Inn has it all.  Eat on a full America plan with all of your meals being served at the Inn, play in the lake, take in a game of Golf or play tennis.  You can stay at High Hampton and never leave the grounds.  Highlands and Cashiers are hidden gems that should be explored.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina - "Stay with us in any season"
With an elevation of 4000 feet, Blowing Rock is one of the premier locations to visit off the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The seasons shine in Blowing Rock.  In the fall the colors of the mountains draw people by the thousands.  In spring the wildflowers bring a different palette and travelers to watch the mountains come to life.  Mild winters and summers bring people to enjoy the mountains in the two extremes of the year.  Blowing Rock has something to offer everybody.  The lodging in the area is second to none including some great cabins and Bed & Breakfasts.  Gourmet restaurants, golf, museums and of course Blowing Rock itself are only part of the reason that you might want to pay a visit. 

The Blowing Rock, which gave the city its name, is the oldest travel attraction in North Carolina.  This cliff has amazing views of Grandfather Mountain, Hawksbll and Table Rock.  Besides the view it has a great story and is something everyone should visit while they are in the area.  Blowing Rock also offers plenty of cultural activities:  the Blowing Rock Stage Company, Ballet Blowing Rock, Jazz Society, Concerts in the Park and Art in the Park all dominate the calendar in Blowing Rock and it is certainly worth planning your trip around getting to take in a performance.

Waynesville, North Carolina - "Southern Mountain Heritage"
Waynesville is the perfect model of the small mountain town.  Unique shops, historic neighborhoods and interesting eateries make Waynesville somewhere great to spend a weekend.  While there stay in one of the numerous B&Bs and sink into the peaceful solitude that is Waynesville.  Located near Lake Junaluska, be sure to visit the lake and take the 4 mile trail that runs around the perimeter.  Also during the year plan your visit to attend Folkmoot which is a a gathering of dance troupes.

Around the streets of Waynesville you will find shops and small restaurants with amazing food.  The shops take you back in time with their quaintness and you will find shopping there both relaxing and completely entertaining.  When you have had your fill with shopping visit one of the restaurants in Waynesville.  You won’t have to look far to find something great to eat, like Lomo Grill.  Award winning and specializing in Italian-Argentine cuisine.  You will love this restaurant.  Waynesville, beautiful & completely engrossing.

Maggie Valley, North Carolina - "Welcome to the Heart of the Smokies"
Maggie Valley is truly the heart of the Smokies.  Driving distance to the Blue Ridge or the Smokies makes this an excellent vacation choice.  Plenty of lodging, including condos and cabins and more than enough to keep you occupied on your visit.  Shopping, dining and just enjoying the streets and neighborhoods of this town are all part of the mystique and fun that is Maggie Valley.  While you are there, take a look up the mountains and you may see Ghost Town in the Sky – North Carolina’s highest theme park.  Southwestern themed and acres of fun for the whole family, Ghost Town is worth the visit.

Of course, the best thing about Maggie Valley is that you are right next to the mountains.  While staying there you have a base of operations to explore the North Carolina side of the Smokies and one of the Smokies hidden treasures:  Cataloochee.  Cataloochee is an area much like Cades Cove.  It is in a valley that is protected from the elements and most of the buildings that were there when it was a community.  Along with the historic structures, scenery and the wildlife, Cataloochee is home to one of the reintroduced herds of elk.  Dusk is the best time to see them.